The Los Angeles Rams have managed to place collectively a balanced roster on either side of the sector that’s comprised of younger gamers and veterans.
Toeing the road between the 2 teams is Ernest Jones, who has stepped up in recent times and is slated to be the chief of the protection following Aaron Donald’s retirement.
Jones had a powerful 2023 season, setting the Rams’ single-season file for tackles with 145 although he enters the 2024 season with out an extension on his rookie deal.
Though he could also be enjoying on the ultimate yr of his contract, the latest start of his son helps him hold issues in perspective, by way of Adam Grosbard of the Southern California Information Group:
“It adjustments my perspective lots,” Jones mentioned. “One, it’s only a huge yr for me personally. I at all times wish to handle my household however now you add that little boy in, my spouse. They’re my foremost precedence, they’re the explanation why I play this recreation, why I get up and I’m so glad to have the ability to do that. I’m extra targeted and locked in than I’ve ever been.”
Jones added he isn’t stressing about his contract scenario although did admit he’d prefer to hold his household in Los Angeles:
“I do know that the work that I’ve put in these previous three years, I do know I’m worthy of one thing regardless what the value could also be,” Jones mentioned. “I simply wish to put collectively an amazing yr. I like to be in L.A., I actually wish to be right here. That is actually the place I wish to hold my household at, develop my household right here. However I additionally know that there’s a enterprise aspect of it too that I can’t actually management. We’ll see. Hopefully we will get one thing accomplished and I could be right here for years to return. … And I’m up for the problem.
“I play soccer and I’m simply excited. I present them one other yr and I placed on one other yr higher than earlier than, that simply signifies that the value goes up.”
If Jones has one other stable marketing campaign, the Rams might want to contemplate re-signing him particularly given the shortage of expertise and depth of their linebacker room.
Staying house with Rams was John Johnson III’s first alternative in free company
Ernest Jones isn’t the one defensive participant that considers the Metropolis of Angels house as John Johnson III re-signed with the workforce in free company. Johnson mentioned that staying with the Rams was his first alternative all alongside.
